Psychosis

Causes

A number of medical problems can cause psychosis, including:

• Alcohol and certain illegal drugs, both during use and during withdrawal
• Brain diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and certain chromosomal disorders
• Brain tumors or cysts
• Dementia (including Alzheimer's disease)
• HIV and other infections that affect the brain
• Some prescription drugs, such as steroids and stimulants
• Some types of epilepsy
• Stroke

Psychosis (or psychotic symptoms) may also be found in:

• Most people with schizophrenia
• Some people with bipolar disorder (manic-depressive) or severe depression
• Some personality disorders

Symptoms

Psychotic symptoms may include:

• Disorganized thought and speech
• False beliefs that are not based in reality (delusions), especially unfounded fear or suspicion
• Hearing, seeing, or feeling things that are not there (hallucinations)
• Thoughts that "jump" between unrelated topics (disordered thinking)

Exams and Tests

Psychiatric evaluation and testing are used to diagnose the cause of the psychosis.

Laboratory testing and brain scans may not be needed, but sometimes can help pinpoint the diagnosis. Tests may include:

• Blood tests for abnormal electrolyte and hormone levels
• Blood tests for syphilis and other infections
• Drug screens
• MRI of the brain

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of the psychosis. Care in a hospital is often needed to ensure the patient's safety.

Antipsychotic drugs, which reduce hallucinations and delusions and improve thinking and behavior are helpful, whether the cause is a medical or psychiatric disorder.

See: Schizophrenia for more information about the treatment of psychosis.

Outlook (Prognosis)

How well a person does depends on the cause of the psychosis. If the cause can be corrected, the outlook is often good, and treatment with antipsychotic medication may be brief.

Some chronic conditions, such as schizophrenia, may need life-long treatment with antipsychotic medications to control symptoms.

Possible Complications

Psychosis can prevent people from functioning normally and caring for themselves. If the condition is left untreated, people can sometimes harm themselves or others.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider or mental health professional if you or a member of your family is losing contact with reality. If there is any concern about safety, immediately take the person to the nearest emergency room to be seen by a doctor.

Prevention

Prevention depends on the cause. For example, avoiding alcohol abuse prevents alcohol-induced psychosis.

References

Freudenreich O, Weiss AP, Goff DC. Psychosis and schizophrenia. In: Stern TA, Rosenbaum JF, Fava M, Biederman J, Rauch SL, eds. Massachusetts General Hospital Comprehensive Clinical Psychiatry. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2008:chap 28.

Update Date: 3/7/2012

Updated by: Fred K. Berger, MD, Addiction and Forensic Psychiatrist, Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.